Sick hammy

marie · 02-26-2017, 07:29 PM

my hammy, Smokey, is a little over 2 years old. His behavior has dramatically changed from a happy, healthy hammy, to having a hard time breathing, or at least it sounds like it. He's now breathing with his mouth open and its very obvious that he is trying to breath. He also isn't moving around or getting hyper when I take him out of his cage. He just lays there. He also has a problem with his eye. It seems to have excessive discharge and sticks his eye closed.

Does anyone have any advice or should I hope for the best?
I've accepted when a hammy is 2+ years old, they are old.

Drago · 02-26-2017, 07:42 PM

Being 2 years old and sounding to be in as rough of a condition as he's in, you may want to consult your vet on what may be best at this point. It could be allergies, what bedding is he on? Or it could be some sort of respiratory infection which wouldn't be too unusual at his age. Treatment can be harsh on older animals, but if you're implying that it might be his time, you may want to first consider other options. I'd recommend at least giving your vet a call or taking him and see what they think, from there they can direct you further. Keep us updated on how he's doing. Best wishes

JLPrairie · 02-26-2017, 08:03 PM

I hate to say it, but he might be at his end.
If not that, can you tell us what bedding he's on? If he's on fluffy bedding, that might be the cause of the respiratory issues.

cypher · 02-26-2017, 10:11 PM

I'm so sorry to hear this marie, it is possible Smokey could have a respiratory infection or it could just be that he's close to his time now, he is a very old man & clearly struggling so I agree taking him to the vet to see if anything can be done or if it may time to help him to the bridge would be best for him now.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 02-26-2017, 11:30 PM

Like the other have said, so sorry this is happening. It could be old age, but maybe not. If he has an illness then possibly the vet can help to save his life. Without the vet Smokey might die. You'd be surprise how quickly they can come back to life if he has an infection of some kind? Wishing & Smokey the best!

Thin Lizzy · 02-27-2017, 03:18 AM

Taking Smokey to the vet will stop you worrying, fingers crossed it's nothing serious.

marie · 02-27-2017, 04:15 AM

I use Aspen bedding. He seems to be on his way to the rainbow bridge, slowly. He's not responding to me, like he was when I posted this. He seems to be near the end, unfortunately.

cypher · 02-27-2017, 04:18 AM

Sorry to hear that marie, just do what you can to keep him comfortable, it is hard for you but better for him if it is his time to just go quietly with you.

JLPrairie · 02-27-2017, 05:54 AM

So sorry, Marie. Sometimes it might be painful to accept, but just do what you can.

**Cinnamon Bear** · 02-27-2017, 07:03 AM

Very sorry this is happening